Passiflora edulis • The Tropical Flavor Bomb
Passion Fruit is the instant gratification of the fruit world. While an apple tree takes years, a passion fruit vine can cover a fence and produce delicious fruit in just 12 to 18 months. Native to South America, it brings the intense tastes of the tropics to any garden.
The name "Passion Flower" was given by Spanish missionaries who saw the complex parts of the flower as symbols of the Passion of Christ. To a gardener, the flower is simply one of the most alien and beautiful structures in nature—intricate, purple-white, and buzzing with bees.
The fruit itself is a wrinkle-skinned egg filled with aromatic, orange pulp and crunchy seeds. It is sweet, tart, and highly perfumed. A spoonful over yogurt or ice cream is pure heaven.
Small size, huge impact. Passion fruit is rich in fiber and antioxidants. Below is for roughly 5 fruits (approx. 100g).
*Percent Daily Values (DV) are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
One of the highest fiber contents of any fruit due to the edible seeds. Excellent for digestion and regulating cholesterol.
Contains alkaloids and magnesium which can have a mild sedative/calming effect. Passion flower tea is often used for anxiety.
High levels of Vitamin C, beta-carotene, and cryptoxanthin help boost the immune system and protect against free radicals.
Rich in potassium and low in sodium, which relaxes blood vessels and promotes healthy blood flow.
Fast-growing and vigorous, the Passion Fruit vine loves warmth and food. Give it what it wants, and it will reward you quickly.
Plant in a spot with full sun (at least 6 hours). They are tropical, so a south-facing wall (in the northern hemisphere) that retains heat is ideal.
Install a strong fence, trellis, or wire collecting system. The vine climbs using tendrils that grab onto anything they touch.
Passion fruit vines are heavy feeders. They have extensive root systems. Prepare the soil by digging in large amounts of compost, well-rotted manure, and chicken manure.
The soil must drain well. If you have clay, pile the soil up or plant in a large pot (at least 20 gallons).
Plant in spring when the soil is warm. Handle the roots gently. Water immediately.
Tip: Plant two different vines. While some are self-fertile, having two significantly increases pollination and fruit set.
Feed, feed, feed. Apply a citrus fertilizer or chicken manure pellets every spring and autumn. They also need regular water—if they dry out, the fruit will shrivel and drop.
However, don't overwater in winter, which can lead to root rot.
Prune in late winter warm springs. Thin out the dense canopy to let light in and prevent fungal issues. Remove any dead wood.
The fruits grow on new growth, so don't be afraid to cut back vigorously to stimulate fresh shoots.
Fruit feels light and hollow. Cause: Poor pollination or boron deficiency. Fix: Hand pollinate flowers and add a trace element fertilizer.
Cause: Nitrogen deficiency or cold weather ("Winter Yellows"). Fix: Feed with a high nitrogen fertilizer like blood meal, or wait for warmer weather if it's winter.
Brown spots on leaves or fruit. Cause: Humidity and poor airflow. Fix: Prune to open up the vine. Apply a copper-based fungicide if severe.